Italian Cheeses > Canestrato Sardo

Canestrato Sardo with Spinach and Ricotta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound Canestrato Sardo cheese, grated
- 1 pound fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Canestrato Sardo cheese. Mix well.
6. Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
7. Spread half of the spinach and ricotta mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
8. Sprinkle half of the remaining Canestrato Sardo cheese on top of the spinach and ricotta mixture.
9. Repeat with the remaining spinach and ricotta mixture and Canestrato Sardo cheese.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 380
- Total fat: 28g
- Saturated fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canestrato Sardo cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach and ricotta mixture for a burst of flavor.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out any excess water from the cooked spinach before adding it to the ricotta mixture.
- Use a high-quality Canestrato Sardo cheese for the best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the melted cheese.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Crusty bread for dipping in the melted cheese.
- Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese is not melting, place the dish under the broiler for a few minutes until bubbly and golden.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the spinach thoroughly to avoid any potential foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Canestrato Sardo is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in Sardinia, Italy.

Flavor profiles:
- Canestrato Sardo cheese has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, while the spinach and ricotta mixture is creamy and savory.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or a main course with a side salad.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Salty, Creamy, Nutty